The series introduced many notable Expanded Universe characters such as Garm Bel Iblis, Talon Karrde, Grand AdmiralThrawn, Gilad Pellaeon, and Mara Jade—characters who would subsequently appear in a variety of Expanded Universe works, by a plethora of creators. Grand Admiral Thrawn also became a popular villain in the Expanded Universe, with appearances in several later works which took place earlier in the timeline. In addition, the Imperial capital world - Coruscant - was given its name by the trilogy, and would later feature in the prequel films.

The titles of all three books could be said to have multiple meanings:

Heir to the Empire could refer either to Thrawn or C'baoth, or the New Republic.

Dark Force Rising could refer either to the dark side of the Force, the Katana fleet, or Thrawn's Empire in general.

The Last Command could refer either to Palpatine's command to Mara Jade or to Thrawn's battle.

In French, the trilogy has a series title as La Croisade noire du Jedi fou, "The Black Crusade of the Mad Jedi." In Dutch, it is known as In de Schaduw van het Rijk, "In the Shadow of the Empire." Also, the Dutch title for Dark Force Rising is De macht van de duistere kant, which translates to "The power of the Dark side."